Scott County Sheriff’s Widow Appointed To Remainder Of Term

WALDRON — The Scott County Quorum Court on Monday appointed Amie Carpenter to serve the remainder of her husband’s term as sheriff.

Cody Carpenter was killed in devastating flooding that swept through the county in the Y City area on May 31.

In a unanimous vote at its regular meeting Monday, the Scott County Quorum Court vote to name Amie Carpenter sheriff.

Scott County Judge James Forbes said he expects Amie Carpenter to be sworn in Tuesday.

Her term in office will run through Dec. 31, 2014.

Arkansas law allows Amie Carpenter to fill the vacancy, but she will not be eligible to stand for re-election. She has no law enforcement experience, but none is necessary to hold the office.

Cody Carpenter was serving his fifth term as sheriff.

He and wildlife officer Joel Campora responded to a 911 call to a residence where two women lived near Y City early in the morning of May 31. Heavy rains overnight forced the Fourche LeFave River out of its banks.

Eventually, the flooding crushed the home and swept it away. Carpenter’s body was found about a mile downstream after daybreak may 31. Campora was found June 2. The two women in the house, Kay Shearn and Vivian Sue Reimer, also were killed.

A fifth woman, Cathy Ann Holder of Dallas, also died in the Scott County flooding.